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The Teacup Pig Scam

Teacup pigs, also known as miniature pigs, have been all the rage for the last decade or so. But… The problem is, there is no such thing as a teacup or miniature pig. The closest a healthy potbelly pig can get to “miniature” size are Vietnamese potbelly pigs, and they typically weigh 100-200 pounds. Not so teacup, right?

Breeders are taking these poor potbelly pigs, underfeed them so they don’t grow to their natural full size, and make sure the mom pig is not fully grown when they breed her. This way, underfed, not fully grown pigs look a lot smaller. But it is, of course, very cruel. It also decreases these poor pig’s life expectancy. And a lot of folks who are tricked into getting these pigs usually are upset when their new pet gets a lot bigger than planned so they give them up to shelters.

So now shelters are overrun with potbelly pigs who have been mistreated, malnourished, and looking for a loving home. But, shockingly, there are not as many people looking to have a pig that weighs more than them. If you are thinking of getting a new pet, though, please consider these wonderful pigs!

Pigs are super fun, friendly, and SMART! I had the honor of working with the pigs at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and those guys were picking up on the clicker training faster than any dogs I have worked with. I can’t wait to get a pair of pigs myself!

To learn more about “teacup” pigs, and their plight, please visit Best Friends’ website here.